The striking specialist, known for devastating leg kicks and powerful punches, eventually utilized both those weapons to register a first-round stoppage win over Christian Morecraft, but it was his submission defense that allowed him to deliver the finishing blows at UFC on FX 1.

Barry and Morecraft served as the evening’s first main-card fight at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

Morecraft wasted little time grabbing a low kick and tripping Barry to the floor. He worked just as quickly into a mount position, but Barry defended well on the floor and snuck out the back door, returning to the feet.

Barry scored several stiff jabs and continued with the low kicks, but Morecraft walked through the shots and brought the fight to the floor a second time. Morecraft transitioned into an armbar attempt that looked very threatening, but Barry again flashed improved submission defense and escaped from the hold by stepping over and pulling free.

With Morecraft forced to fight his game, Barry landed a crushing left counter hook, sending his opponent toppling to the floor. From there, “HD” landed a pair of thunderous right hands to a prone Morecraft, and the fight was mercifully waved off.

“Very excited right now,” Barry said. “I had that killer instinct tonight. I had some very accurate punches on the ground.

“I want to thank everyone and anyone who ever helped me with my jiu-jitsu over the years, especially my current team. We drill and drill and drill, and it really helped me escape all those submission attempts tonight My confidence is always through the roof and I want to always put on a great show for everyone. I haven’t slept a wink all week thinking about this fight. I”m going to leave here, go right to bed and enjoy my first good night’s sleep in a while.”

With the much-needed win, Barry (7-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC) snaps a two-fight losing streak. Morecraft (7-3 MMA, 1-3 UFC) falls to just 1-3 in the UFC and may be relegated to the regional scene.

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